While years ago wedding favors were a MUST HAVE for guests, today, it’s more of a nice gesture and a way to show your appreciation for your friends’ and family’s participation in your nuptials and “after party”….and we personally that expressions of such as please and THANK YOU are never passé and should never go out of style.

But instead of crystal bowls and Jordan almonds (if you’re over 30, you’ll know exactly what that means), today’s couples are opting for gifts with purpose. And, whether you’re a Do-It-Yourselfer or prefer to order in bulk from the net, here are some of our favorites.

Local Syrups, Jams, or Honey: A truly sweet idea. Think about sending guests home with some delicious, local gourmet varieties such as vanilla honey, bourbon barrel aged maple syrup or seasonally spectacular pumpkin or cranberry jam.

Original Holiday Ornaments and/or mini evergreens: Send guests home for the holidays with their very own custom holiday ornament and mini Christmas tree .

Couture Custom Chocolates: Create your own candy bars using seasonal spices and flavors. Think Gingerbread toffee or Peppermint Candy, just to name a few. Wrap in fancy paper and let guests pick their favorite.

Reading material: Encourage guests to curl up with a good book this fall and winter season. Think about handing out one of your all-time favorites or current best sellers with a bookmark engraved with your wedding date. Take it a step further and personally inscribe the front page of each.

Seasoned Seasonal Salts: Ideal gifts for foodies and their guests. Spice things up with herb infused salts and a recipe (from your menu) they can make at home.

Designer Drinks: Think tins filled with exotic teas and coffees for your guests to sit and sit at home.

Fairy tale weddings do come true! Long Island Weddings have earned rave reviews for making your special day as special as your love is. Since 1995, we have been the ultimate source for all things bridal on Long Island.